Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I, too, welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate. I thank Senators Mullen and Bacik for arranging information briefings for Senators. These very much helped us to understand the scientific aspects of the issue. Information and education on this complex issue will help Members of every opinion in trying to understand it and make constructive contributions on the Bill.

I am not a scientist and do not pretend to be an expert in this area but I have genuine concerns about unregulated research on human embryos. I am conscious also that this is an emotive and very sensitive issue and that it has the potential to be very divisive. This issue raises serious ethical and moral questions for us all.

The decision taken by University College Cork over a month ago to proceed with embryonic stem cell research, albeit under specific conditions and according to specific criteria, has put this issue on the agenda. I am concerned that colleges and academics are setting the agenda and protocol on this important matter. I respect the views of others and believe our colleges and research facilities must have academic freedom to progress science for the benefit of the human race, but that should not take place at any cost and without considering the implications of scientific decisions for society. This is where the Houses of the Oireachtas have a role.

There is a legal vacuum in Ireland regarding stem cell research. There is genuine concern that there is nothing to prevent individuals or institutions from carrying out unrestricted research in this area. There are concerns that such research could lead to human cloning and animal-human hybrid generation, which would be unacceptable in Irish society. Such cloning is already scientifically possible and thus requires regulation. We need to understand whether this Bill addresses these issues in a comprehensive manner or whether there is a need for further examination of this entire area and further comprehensive legislation and regulations.

Stem cell research has very obvious potential and gives hope to those who suffer from serious permanent injuries and degenerative diseases. However, the research is very much in its infancy and we must be very careful not to raise false hopes among those who are suffering. That, in itself, would be unethical. People need to know the truth regarding scientific progress in this area of research and must be fully informed, in an objective and realistic manner, of any medical breakthrough and the realistic timeframe for progress in respect of their individual conditions.

The serious ethical and moral questions need to be teased out fully. The answers thereto will fundamentally dictate our responses to this issue and this Bill. While the fundamental questions remain unanswered in science and in Irish legislation, we must ask why our colleges are engaging in stem cell research without any legislation or guidance. Many believe that because an embryo genetically programmed with the unique DNA characteristics of a human being has special momentum to develop into a full person, it should therefore be afforded protection. We must ask whether we need to become involved in embryonic research when there is considerable progress and potential in the area of adult stem cell research, which does not represent any threat to embryos and to life.

Adult stem cell research does not pose the same ethical or moral dilemmas as embryonic stem cell research. It is scientifically much more advanced than embryonic stem cell research and it is therefore a much more appropriate area to develop. Research in this area should be allowed to achieve its full potential. This approach must continue to be resourced and receive financial support. I thank Senator Mullen for raising this important issue and I look forward to hearing the contributions of other Senators.